Ohio offers a variety of beaches for summer fun
Water, Water Everywhere
When summer arrives, it’s not uncommon to get a serious case of wanderlust. But those with hazy visions of day-long trips to the nearest coastline can rest easy. Plenty of opportunities for kicking back in the sand exist stateside.
East Harbor State Park
1169 N. Buck Rd., Lakeside-Marblehead
www.eastharborstatepark.org
Those looking for a bit of elbow room between their blankets and their neighbors’ will like this beach. At 1,500 feet long, the sandy strip has a significant amount of real estate for sunning or relaxing in the shade. Amenities include a bathhouse, vending machines, grills, picnic tables and a playground.
Water, Water Everywhere
Nickel Plate Beach
Corner of Tiffin Avenue and Nickel Plate Drive, Huron
www.cityofhuron.org
Anyone who spends a day at the beach knows that swimming and sun give you a heck of an appetite. Luckily, Nickel Plate Beach offers a variety of dining options nearby, including beachside pizza delivery. Amenities include a sheltered picnic area, charcoal grills, playground equipment and beach volleyball courts.
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Main Street Beach
Main Street, Vermilion
www.vermilion.net
No beach umbrella or chairs? No problem. This beach offers hourly rentals of chairs, umbrellas, tables, shade tents and wheelchairs. And with downtown Vermilion only a block away, shops and restaurants are nicely within reach. Amenities include an observation deck, benches and concession stands. No lifeguards are on duty.
Kelleys Island State Park Beach
920 Division St., Kelleys Island
parks.ohiodnr.gov/kelleysisland
With its gradual water depth, this beach is perfect for young children. The park’s campground also includes a playground and a store with snacks and ice cream. Other amenities include a picnic shelter, hiking trails and kayak rentals. No lifeguards are on duty.
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Sawmill Creek Resort Beach
400 Sawmill Creek Dr., Huron
www.sawmillcreek.com
Though Sawmill Creek Resort owns this beach, it’s open to the public. Visitors can park at Sheldon Marsh State Nature Preserve. The one-mile paved path brings guests to a barrier beach and a path to the Sawmill beach. Walking trails are also available. Resort guests can receive a ride to the waterfront.
Headlands Beach State Park
9601 Headlands Rd., Mentor
parks.ohiodnr.gov/headlandsbeach
If you’re looking for a sizeable beach, look no further than Headlands, the largest natural sand beach in the state. Amenities include change booths, concession areas and restrooms.
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Alum Creek State Park
3615 S. Old State Rd., Delaware
This 3,000-foot beach is the largest inland beach in Ohio’s state park system. Amenities include a shower house, concession stand and sand volleyball courts. No lifeguards are on duty.
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East Fork State Park
3294 Elklick Rd., Bethel
Kick back and relax at East Fork State Park, which features a 1,200-foot swimming beach. Amenities include change booths with showers, restrooms and a vending area.
Salt Fork State Park
Water, Water Everywhere
14755 Cadiz Rd., Lore City
This 2,500-foot beach is one of the state’s largest inland beaches. Amenities include a modern bathhouse with showers, lockers, toilets and a snack bar.
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Dillon State Park
5265 Dillon Hills Dr., Nashport
A wading pool is available at this beach. Amenities include a game area for volleyball, a playground area and lighted courts for tennis and basketball. No lifeguards are on duty.
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Maumee Bay State Park
1400 State Park Rd., Oregon
You can keep your options open with this park, which features two sand beaches, one on the Lake Erie shore and the other along the park’s inland lake. Amenities include a concession area, changing booths and a large lakeside amphitheater.
Sarah Sole is an editor. Feedback welcome at gbishop@cityscenemediagroup.com.
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